#EvidenceAccess

Committee considers narrow exception to two‑party consent for recordings in violent crimes SB661 would allow victims of murder, rape or domestically related first‑degree assault to use recordings they made of the crime (or attempted crime) in court without felony wiretapping exposure, subject to evidentiary safeguards and limited use rules; prosecutors and advocates gave examples where recordings existed but were inadmissible under current law.

Maryland's SB661 could revolutionize justice for survivors by allowing them to use their recordings of violent crimes in court—without the fear of felony charges.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #VictimSupport #JusticeReform #MarylandVictims #EvidenceAccess

Appeals court debates withheld videos and DCF records in Noel convictions challenge In Commonwealth v. Noel, defense counsel said excluded DCF records, medical photos and missing video/stills prevented proper harmless-error review; the Commonwealth told the court the record contained corroboration and urged deference to trial rulings. The panel discussed whether the court should obtain the videos into the appellate record.

The appeals court is grappling with whether crucial videos and DCF records, allegedly withheld, could change the fate of Helmedine Noel's conviction.

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#MA #JudicialAccountability #LegalReform #CitizenPortal #EvidenceAccess